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;void(0)) “Radiation” is defined as the emission of particles and rays from a radioactive source. It is usually associated with alpha and beta particles, and gamma rays. These particles may emit energy in the form of light and heat as atoms and molecules go through internal change. “Ionization” is a process that occurs when an electrically charged atom or group of atoms loses or gains one or more electrons. This process may cause a dramatic alteration in the structure of an agent, such as what occurs when salt is dissolved in water. It can also produce an output of energy like an electrical charge when certain gases are placed under the influence of radiation. The harmful effects of radiation on humans occurs in the ionizing process from gamma rays, nuclear reactors, nuclear waste, particle accelerators, nuclear weapons, and in some of the appliances that we use everyday. Its effects are most telling in tissues and organs consisting of rapidly proliferating cells, like the skin, gastrointestinal tract and bone marrow. The survivors of the atomic bomb blasts at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, have exhibited increases of cancer, most notably leukemia and breast cancer. Ionizing radiation, like asbestos, is known to cause cancer in highly exposed humans. An average resident of the United States receives approximately 300 millirem of radiation annually which comes from a variety of sources, including radiation naturally present in the environment, which is known as background radiation. The largest fraction of this radiation is from radon and its decay products. Radon is found mostly near the ground as a result of seepage from the soil and rocks, all of which contain minute quantities of of radium (the source of radon). Radium occurs as a natural decay product of uranium present in various types of rocks. By the late 1980s radon came to be recognized as a potentially serious health hazard. The gas seeps through the foundations of buildings, basements, or piping of buildings and can accumulate in the air of houses that are poorly ventilated. Exposure to high concentrations of this radon over the years can greatly increase the risk of developing lung cancer. Radon is now thought to be the single most important cause of lung cancer among nonsmokers in the United States. Radon levels are highest in homes built over geological formations that contain uranium mineral deposits. Though the United States did considerable testing prior to carrying it out, scientists did not have an appreciable concept as to the long-term effects of nuclear fallout until well after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. By the 1950s both the United States and the Soviet Union embarked upon extensive testing of these weapons at designated test sites. Perhaps the worst nuclear testing disaster was the Castle Bravo, Marshall Islands test of 1954. It tested a new form of hydrogen bomb. The hydrogen bomb explosion was over twice what was predicted. The fallout spread high levels of radiation for over a hundred miles, contaminating a number of populated islands. Many of the islands' inhabitants suffered from radiation burns and later from other effects such as increased cancer rate and birth defects. A member of the crew on a Japanese fishing boat that happened to be in the area died from radiation sickness. It was also feared that the radioactive fish they had been carrying had made its way into the Japanese food supply. When nuclear weapons were tested in the atmosphere, they propelled a variety of radioactive particles from hydrogen to plutonium into the upper atmosphere. From there, the particles transferred slowly to the lower atmosphere and then to the earth's surface. About 500 atmospheric explosions were conducted before the limited test ban treaty was enacted in 1963. The concentrations of these particles in the air, rain and human diet are now much lower than the peak values in the early 1960s. We live in the most powerful country in the world, but what price have we paid for this power? Dr. Robert Oppenheimer who was the Director of the Manhattan Project, which developed the first atomic bomb, was much maligned for his eventual opposition to nuclear weapons. In fact he was eventually relieved of his post as director of the very hydrogen bomb experiment in the Marshall Islands about two years before it was carried out. Did he see something in us that we are too frightened to see? Perhaps he knew the meaning of the ancient proverb often paraphrased by politicians: “He that rides the back of the tiger usually winds up inside.” Please e-mail me and let me know your thoughts on this matter. Oh yeah, don't forget your autographed copy of “The Ackee Chronicles”. Tony VanSluytman - the Author  Newsletter Directory The Aton Project - Home Page Tony VanSluytman info Tony VanSluytman - the Author | Return Home | The BOOK DOCTOR | The BANYON NETWORK | The Banyon Buzz Newsletters | The Aton Project Newsletters | Contact Us | |
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